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HORNBLOWER'S HARBOR CRUISES GO TO THE DOGS FOR 2012 PET DAY ON SAN DIEGO BAY

March 27, 2012

Dog-friendly favorite on May 12 supports the Helen Woodward Animal Center and features author Mark Carlson and Muskat, his loyal guide dog

SAN DIEGO--Hornblower’s popular, pup-friendly Pet Day on San Diego Bay promises a tail-wagging good time during its 12th annual presentation on Saturday, May 12, 2012. Headlining the event will be special guest Mark Carlson, author of “Confessions of a Guide Dog: The Blonde Leading the Blind,” and his famous guide dog, Musket. Event proceeds benefit orphaned and injured animals at Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) in Rancho Santa Fe.

Pet Day on San Diego Bay is the one time each year that Hornblower invites dogs to cruise for free with their owners. People board for just $23 per ticket, and guests are also encouraged to contribute a gently used blanket or towel that can warm animals at HWAC. Carlson and Musket will greet guests during the cruise, and Carlson will also be signing copies of his book, which chronicles the lives and work of dedicated guide dogs.

“Hornblower Cruises has been a wonderful friend to Helen Woodward Animal Center,” said Jessica Gercke, PR manager and spokesperson for the center. “We are incredibly grateful for the awareness and support this dog-friendly cruise has provided for our orphaned animals over the past decade. The annual event beautifully illustrates how completely animals become not only pets, but furry family members.”

Three one-hour cruises are scheduled for this year’s event, setting off at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. on May 12. Each departs from the Hornblower ticket booth at 1060 North Harbor Drive, San Diego 92101. Guests can board without dogs, as well, or simply stop by the ticket booth between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to drop off blankets, towels or financial donations for HWAC.

The Port of San Diego and PETCO are also supporting the cause by serving as sponsors for the 2012 Pet Day on the Bay. After more than a decade, this continues to be one of Hornblower’s most well received community events.

"I’m very proud of Hornblower in its support of Helen Woodward Animal Center over the past decade,” said Rebecca Milkey, director of marketing for Hornblower. "Pet Day on the Bay is an exclusive and unique event that has resourcefully resulted in gathering years of needed supplies and key awareness about animals in need."

Well-behaved dogs of all sizes and breeds are welcome for Hornblower’s Pet Day cruises. Each adult is invited to board with one dog, and canines must be kept on a leash throughout the cruise. The event is not appropriate for unsocial dogs, dogs that are unpredictable in crowds, or dogs that dislike strangers or other dogs. Pups behaving badly will be asked to leave and their owners will receive a coupon to return for a non-dog cruise.

The Helen Woodward Animal Center believes that animals help people and people help animals through trust, unconditional love, and respect. Sharing this philosophy with others, the Center inspires and teaches, locally and globally, the importance of the animal-human bond. To learn about the Helen Woodward Animal Center and its animal adoptions, boarding services and programs, visit www.animalcenter.org.

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Hornblower Cruises & Events has been the leading charter yacht and public dining cruise company in California for over 30 years. The company operates 32 vessels in San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Marina del Rey and San Diego. The 1000 passenger Inspiration Hornblower is one of San Diego’s premier venues. In addition, Hornblower San Diego offers seasonal Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventures and year round Harbor Cruises. For more information visit: www.hornblower.com/pressroom.